Want to get away but can’t find someone to join you? No matter…there are plenty of safe and enjoyable ways to take a solo vacation. In fact, solo travel continues to trend upward as singles of all ages discover the joys of independent exploration.
Traveling alone is not without certain fears and insecurities. Safety, loneliness, language difficulties and the added cost of single supplements all are valid concerns—whether you plan to explore independently, book a cruise, join a group tour, or chill out during a wellness getaway. Here are some smart solo travel tips from longtime traveler Donna Heiderstadt.
Why Consider Solo Travel?
As someone with extensive solo travel experience—I’ve enjoyed getaways to Venice and Paris, week-long drives through Scotland and Portugal, cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, long-weekend escapes to a half dozen US cities, and even a two-month adventure through the South Pacific—I’ve learned that exploring on one’s own can be empowering.
Benefits of traveling alone: Being able to pursue your own interests (whether that’s art museums or foodie hot spots) and set your own rhythm (from wake-up times to walking pace). Spontaneity is also on the table, since you’re creating your own itinerary or, if taking a cruise or tour, deciding how to use your free time.
Common misconceptions about solo travel are whether it’s possible to have fun while alone (it is!)…whether you’ll feel self-conscious dining by yourself (if so, find a restaurant with bar seating and/or a communal table)…and that you’ll be a target for fraud (with a few precautions, no more so than people traveling together).
Planning Your Solo Trip
Choose the right destination
Knowing the best destinations for solo travelers is vital to making your vacation a success. Consider cities in North America and Europe, all of which have cultural attractions—art museums, music venues and historic landmarks—that can keep you engaged. Favorites in Europe are Dublin, London and Edinburgh (for ease of language)…Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris, Madrid, Vienna and Amsterdam (for museums and sights)…and Prague and Budapest (for affordability since the US dollar is more favorable against the Czech and Hungarian currencies than the euro).
For relaxation, beach resorts in Hawaii and some Caribbean islands (Aruba, Barbados and Grand Cayman are among the safest) are ideal for solo sun-seekers. Or consider a wellness getaway to a spa resort.
Destinations with more complex logistics and language barriers, such as those in Asia, Africa and South America, can be more daunting. The solution? Book a cruise or group tour that offers cabins or hotel rooms for single occupancy. Yes, you’ll be vacationing solo, but you’ll also enjoy the company of other travelers and the expertise of local guides.
Book the right flight
This is key to hassle-free solo travel. Be sure to leave at least 90 minutes between connections. If joining a cruise or tour, consider arriving a day early and booking a hotel near the airport or cruise terminal to hedge against delays that can result in a missed cruise or tour departure.
Book the right accommodations
Search online to find a hotel located in a popular/safe neighborhood. Look for positive reviews by recent guests, and peruse the guest-supplied photos. Using a search engine such as Kayak or Trivago can help you compare prices, locations and ratings as well as find rooms designed and priced for one person.
If you’re considering cruising solo, some cruise lines have made it easier and more affordable. Studio and single cabins, available on select ships, mean solo travelers no longer have to pay a single supplement (often a full additional cruise fare) to stay alone in a cabin designed for two. Norwegian Cruise Line has 11 ships with studio staterooms and a dedicated lounge for solo guests. MSC Cruises has eight ships with single cabins and Royal Caribbean has six. Celebrity Cruises’ five newest Edge-Series ships all feature Edge Single Staterooms, while Virgin Voyages’ four ships have Sea View or Solo Insider cabins, and Holland America’s (three newest ships have Ocean View Studios. Most cruise lines also schedule get-togethers for single passengers.
Some river cruise lines also offer dedicated solo cabins. AmaWaterways has them on four of its European ships, and American Cruise Lines features them on all of its US river ships. Avalon Waterways, Emerald, Scenic, Tauck and Uniworld all waive single supplements on select sailings.
Tour companies with low single supplements include Collette Tours, Wing Buddy and Overseas Adventure Travel.
Pack right
Once you’re booked, pack light. I’m a dedicated carry-on traveler. Not only does that mean there’s no chance of my luggage being lost, I can also manage it by myself, even on public transportation.
Staying Safe While Traveling Alone
Personal safety is a top concern while traveling alone, so here are some smart solo travel tips.
Arrive prepared
Navigating airports and/or train stations can be fraught with pitfalls, so plan ahead for how you’ll get to your hotel. Luckily, most airport websites offer details on train, bus and taxi options. Never accept a ride from anyone who solicits you with, “Need a taxi?” Instead, look for official taxi stands or, if you are comfortable using Uber, check your app to see if rides are available.
Manage valuables and personal information
I travel with a zippered cross-body bag. After getting to my hotel room or cruise cabin, I secure my passport, jewelry, extra money and one of my credit cards in the safe. I also keep my phone’s Bluetooth turned off to protect against hacking, data theft, tracking and other cybersecurity threats, and I try to only use public Wi-Fi that requires a log-in or password, such as at my hotel or on my cruise ship.
Find your way
I regularly use my phone’s map app for directions (and carry a portable charger for backup), although I also know that situational awareness is key. If something feels off—say the app tells me to walk down a street but it looks deserted or I spot someone lurking—I find another route.
Stay connected with family and friends
I always let at least one person know my plans, and I text or e-mail updates along the way.
Making the Most of Your Solo Experience
Meeting people while traveling alone and making connections is one of the most rewarding aspects of solo travel—something I’ve experienced first-hand. A friend I met on my first solo cruise more than 30 years ago has since joined me on more than 50 trips. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with other travelers—they could become lifelong travel buddies.
As for dining alone while traveling, I’ve discovered that doing so lets me more fully appreciate the experience. I savor my food and chat with my server about the destination. I also recommend food-focused walking tours. Not only is it a great way to engage with other travelers, but you learn about a place through its cuisine.
Cooking classes and wine-tasting tours are other interactive options. The key to making the most of your solo experience is to embrace spontaneity and be open to discovering new connections along the way.
Overcoming Challenges
I have honed strategies for overcoming loneliness when traveling solo. I’ve developed a fondness for people watching, keep a travel diary and share photos on social media (my posts are not public and can only be seen by those I know and trust).
Solo travel is a terrific way to build self-confidence because it encourages you to step outside your comfort zone, talk to people you meet and try new activities. But staying mindful and present and not appearing vulnerable will allow you to explore confidently and safely.
Practical Money and Logistics Tips
It is important to keep a few money and logistics tips in mind…
Invest in travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays and medical services. I have an annual policy with Allianz, but individual-trip polices are offered by both Allianz and AIG Travel Guard.
Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute (three to six months is usually ideal) to book flights, trains, rental cars and hotel rooms to ensure availability and save money. That said, never choose saving money over safety and convenience. If a hotel is super cheap, there’s usually a reason. For single accommodations on cruises or tours, book at least eight to 12 months in advance.
Have info at your fingertips. I always create an itinerary with flight numbers, hotel names and addresses, and planned activities and save it to the Notes app on my phone.
If you’re experiencing heart palpitations, take note of your symptoms. Then, answer these questions and share your answers with your doctor:
- For how long have you been experiencing palpitations?
- How frequently do they occur?
- How long do these episodes typically last?
- What do the palpitations feel like?
- Do you experience any other symptoms with them, such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness or chest pain?
